MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos called out the Social Security System (SSS) over complaints from members struggling to process their online calamity loan applications, especially in areas placed under a state of calamity.

“Alam naman natin na kapag may bagyo, maraming nasasalanta dahil sa baha. Kailangan na kailangan nila ng pera para bumangon — pero kung ganyang pahirapan ang sistema, nagiging doble pasanin pa sa kanila!” Marcos said.

The senator urged the SSS to immediately review its online loan procedures, noting the urgency of financial assistance during natural disasters.

“Huwag na nating pahirapan pa ang mga nasalanta. Bawasan na rin sana ang pagkarami-raming requirements. Ang kailangan nila ngayon ay mabilis, abot-kamay, at maayos na serbisyo– hindi yung dadagdag pa tayo sa problema,” she added.

Marcos also appealed to the agency to provide alternative application methods for members without internet access and consider reopening walk-in applications in affected areas.

“Hindi naman lahat ng Pilipino may cellphone at nakakapag-internet. Responsibilidad ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno na ayusin ang kanilang serbisyo para sa publiko, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad,” she said.